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gambol

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To leap or skip about playfully; a frolic—evoking joyous movement, common in pastoral or celebratory poetry.

Detailed Definition
“Gambol” evokes carefree joy, common in pastoral and spring poetry. It contrasts with adult gravity or sorrow, symbolizing innocence or renewal. The verb’s lightness suits lyrical descriptions of nature or childhood. Poets use it to mark moments of release, where bodies express unburdened happiness, reinforcing themes of vitality, freedom, or temporary escape from care.
Example
Example in poetry:
"The lambs gambol in the meadow," in a pastoral idyll; In Milton’s L’Allegro: "And ever against eating cares, / Lap me in soft Lydian airs... / While the jolly hours lead on the flowery year... / And the skipper’s jolly boy / Whistles loud for joy"—gamboling implied; "Youth gambols, age reflects"; "The spirits gambol in the spring air"; "Gambol not too far from wisdom’s path"; After rain, the brook gambols down the hill.
Additional Notes
“Gambol” evokes carefree, animal-like play; in pastoral or Romantic verse, it symbolizes innocence, freedom, or natural joy, often contrasted with adult constraint or urban artifice through kinetic imagery.
Also Known As
leap frolic caper
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